Southampton want to keep Shaw

Southampton boss Nigel Adkins insists the club are in no mood to do business with Arsenal for left-back Luke Shaw.

Luke Shaw has made a positive impression in the Premier League this season

Reports claim Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is set to tempt Southampton with a £5 million bid for Shaw, 17, as he aims to tap into a youth-team structure that has already provided him with the services of Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in recent years.

Wenger has offered up a lavish endorsement of the academy set-up at Southampton, fuelling speculation he is considering a bid.

“The question about Southampton’s academy set-up is a very good one because they have done a fabulous job,” Wenger said. “It is down to the quality of their scouting, the quality of their coaching and education.

“We produce some technically-gifted players but not as many as Southampton. It is exceptional what they have done. The three wingers (Gareth Bale, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Walcott) and Luke Shaw - that is a good way to study what they have done. They have brought through some players with top, top quality and they work well.”

Adkins, though, says the Saints are not looking to cash in on Shaw.

“I think Luke gets linked every week with Arsenal, doesn’t he? Luke is under contract, he is playing football for us in the Premier League, which is important,” Adkins said. “We are not looking to let him go anywhere.

“If anyone wants to come in for any of our players, by all means speak to the chairman. He does the deals and all the best with that.”